The SDLP's Deputy Leader Ms Bríd Rodgers today spoke of her delight after winning the Northern Ireland Politician of the Year Award.
Ms Rodgers was told of her victory while in Washington meeting with US politicians.
She said: "I am delighted to have won this award. I am particularly pleased, given that it comes as a result of a vote by my colleagues in the Assembly, across the political divide.
The Stormont Agriculture Minister said the award was an acknowledgement of "unprecedented co-operation" involving the Executive, the Assembly, the farming community and the people of Northern Ireland during the foot-and-mouth crisis.
"The fact that the Good Friday Agreement provided Northern Ireland with the structure, the power and the capacity to deal with the crisis was a key factor in preventing what could have been a further disastrous setback for our agri-food industry," she added.
The regional accolade was announced as part of Channel 4's Political Awards during a lunchtime ceremony in London hosted by newsreader Mr Jon Snow.
The awards are designed to recognise the best politicians of the last 12 months in both Westminster and the devolved assemblies and are voted on by political colleagues.
PA
